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Wednesday, August 25, 2010

OT - Camelbak Elixir

Do any of you use electrolyte drinks when you exercise? I was using the Propel powder packets to flavor my water but then I started following a low sugar diet. I saw these Camelback tablets when I was at REI. They are sugar free and you drop one tablet into a 24 oz. bottle of water. You don't even have to shake it up to get it to fully dissolve. The flavor takes a bit getting used to since it isn't very sweet tasting and a little on the salty side but I liked them a lot for spin class and I think they give me a little more energy. They are kind of pricey - $10 per tube of 12 tablets. I really like the format because the Propels can get a bit messy if you spill them and I was always afraid of a packet bursting in my gym bag. I've only tried the Lemon-Lime but they also come in Berry and Orange flavor.

Update - A reader commented that this has Splenda (sucralose) in it (it's at the end of the ingredient list - sorry) so just wanted to let you know in case you like avoid artificial sweeteners.

14 comments:

those tablets do have sugar in them...one of the ingredient's is sucralose which is an artificial sweetener that is suuuper bad for you. anyways there is also a better alternative. try ultima I used it and i am on a diet that is completely no sugar except from fruit ect. its really good and has a good flavor. I really like the berry flavor. http://www.ultimareplenisher.com/ultimainfo.php

I don't mean to be a biatch, but I hate it when people spread misinformation. There has actually been no evidence that sucralose is "suuuper bad for you". It's the same thing found in Splenda. The FDA found no studies that supported the claim that it's unsafe to use, and they gave it their stamp of approval. And it's one of two artificial sweeteners ranked safe by the CSPI. I quote from their findings "There's no reason to suspect that sucralose causes any harm". http://www.cspinet.org/nah/05_04/sweet_nothings.pdf

We probably don't have enough information to support any effect of long term consumptions by humans. My personal opinion is that anything natural is better than chemically processed when it comes what I put into my body. But there's no concrete evidence backing the statement that sucralose is so bad for you.

Thanks, Sherris! I didn't realize this had Splenda in it. I guess I should learn the chemical name for it. The low sugar diet I am following is from the Belly Fat Book and it says to avoid artificial sweeteners so I've been sticking to things that have Stevia and other natural ones. I'll check into the ultima. It looks like I can get it at Mothers or Whole Foods.

There is evidence that all artifical sweeteners are bad for you. What they do neurologically and chemically in your body is bad. I am not talking dangerous, you are taking my words out of context. however, the message the sweet taste sends to your brain is that something sweet is coming and that it needs to release insulin. Insulin is a storage hormone, which most Americans have in excess, because of our use of artificial sweeteners, over-reliance upon grains, and disproportionate serving sizes. So in actuality what your body is preparing for and what it gets are two different things. almost like a Pavlovian response and over time/ prolonged use you will actually store more body fat because of artificial sweeteners than what you think you will lose by using them. if you would like cited articles i am more than willing to send you the research but hiding behind an anonymous tag and citing the FDA as a credible source is highly laughable to me considering the rates of obesity are continuing to rise in this country under this specific regulatory agency. additionally just because it is "safe" does not mean it is good for you i continue to stand behind my original statement that it is super bad for you!.

I'm totally on-board with the connection between artificial sweeteners / insulin resistance / obesity. I totally think all our processed food and hormones/pesticides is a big contributor to rising obesity rates so I am glad you pointed out that this had splenda in it.

Another great option that has absolutely NO SWEETENER is Alacer (same company that makes Emergen-C) Electro-mix in lemon lime. Again, not sweet at all and has a bit of lime flavor. Does wonders for hydration.

Honestly, you probably do not need an electrolyte replacement for an hour of spin class, maybe if you were doing a 2-3 hour bike ride, but not for a spin class. Try coconut water if you really feel you need an electrolyte replacement, it is all natural and has tons of potassium.

Hi all. I've used Nuun in the past and we sell it at the running store that I work at. It seems to have a similar function of the camelback, it being a tab that you drop in water and don't have to shake.

I don't 'think' it has any sugar or fake sugar. I believe it is carb-less. But if someone who is well-versed in that wants to check it out, I think they post the ingredients on their website.

Of all the running knowledge I have I'm not an expert at hydration. I'd even admit to being a fake-sugar addict (I drink diet coke in the morning). I've been trying to give up the fake sugar for quite some time and I just can't do it. Big props to you luluAddict(and others) for making it a priority.

I know I don't "need" an electrolyte drink for an hour long spin class but I prefer my water flavored a little when I go to the gym. I know coconut water is the latest thing to have but I'm not big on the flavor.

@ Becky - I am a huge diet coke addict, too. I fall on and off the wagon regularly. I was doing well, but now I am back off the wagon.

I am seconding the recommendation for Ultima Replenisher! It's not my favorite in terms of flavor, but I like that it doesn't have artificial sweeteners. It sweetens water enough to make it palatable on those days when I just don't feel like drinking water. I recently bought a box of the new Crystal Light sports drink packets, which are sweetened with stevia like Ultima is, and I like the flavor of those much better. But when you buy the big canisters of Ultima, it's quite cost-effective.

I agree with the above post, I love Nuun! You can get it at EMS too or a local running shop. It's much milder than the Camelback one and has 10 calories for a 16 oz serving. It looks and acts just like Camelback.

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For 18 years I was an electrical engineer working in communications satellite system engineering. I've worked at Boeing, Booz, Allen & Hamilton, and General Electric. For the past ten years I've been a stay at home mom who keeps busy volunteering in my community and chauffeuring my three children to their activities. I live in Orange County, California.

The inaugural Sea Wheeze inspired me to take up running two years ago. I have completed nine half marathons and have two more scheduled for 2015. I mostly run these days but also go to the gym ~3-4 days a week for spin class, weight lifting, and cardio.

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